Effects of Ear Acupressure on Heart Function
Author Information
Author(s): Gao Xin-Yan, Wang Lu, Gaischek Ingrid, Michenthaler Yvonne, Zhu Bing, Litscher Gerhard
Primary Institution: Medical University of Graz
Hypothesis
Ear acupressure can influence the autonomic nervous system.
Conclusion
Ear acupressure significantly decreases heart rate and increases heart rate variability.
Supporting Evidence
- Heart rate decreased significantly after manual ear acupressure.
- Heart rate variability increased significantly after manual ear acupressure.
- Pulse wave velocity decreased insignificantly after acupressure.
- Augmentation index increased immediately after both methods of stimulation.
Takeaway
This study shows that pressing on a special point in the ear can help your heart work better.
Methodology
The study used two methods of ear acupressure on 14 healthy volunteers and measured heart rate, heart rate variability, pulse wave velocity, and augmentation index.
Potential Biases
None stated.
Limitations
The sample size was small and there was no control group.
Participant Demographics
14 healthy volunteers (9 females, 5 males) with a mean age of 26.3 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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